The Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University

05/28/2026

Making food easily accessible to weak or debilitated patients is an important part of recovery, especially in a tiny patient like a hummingbird that requires frequent nectar meals. This ruby throated hummingbird struck a window and was disoriented with head trauma for several days. A custom made hummingbird feeding station that provided a low perch and readily available food was a key part of his slow recovery. 🌺

05/26/2026

05/09/2026

The diversity of birds around us right now in New York is incredible, including many species of warblers. This Nashville warbler struck a window here on campus, and was immediately rushed to our hospital by a quick-acting student. In critical condition, it took several hours before the warbler was alert and able to stand. Its tiny right wing was hanging down, and radiographs showed an injury in shoulder - a common finding in window strike birds that survive the impact. The warbler will spend some time in a bandage to keep the shoulder still and allow it to heal.

There are many ways that you can act to help prevent window strikes, which kill approximately 1 billion birds every year in the United States. Our campus here at Cornell is taking action to reduce collisions like this:
https://www.birds.cornell.edu/bird-friendly-campus/

Check out the amazing resources at Lab of Ornithology for ideas and solutions to help prevent birds from colliding with glass. Some simple steps at your home can have a big impact on creating a safer environment for birds!

05/01/2026

A vasectomy in the North American beaver?

Hot off the press, Dr. Hopf-Dennis of the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital has published the first ever detailed anatomical description of the reproductive anatomy of male beavers (with beautiful illustrations), and described two surgical vasectomy techniques.

This procedure will be useful for reproductive management of beavers managed in zoological settings. Just as exciting, is the potential for use of this technique as an alternative to less humane population control methods in regions where beavers are abundant (and often seen as a pest).

Just one example of the many ways that clinical wildlife medicine can benefit wildlife management and welfare! 🦫

03/12/2026

It's officially GIVING DAY! 🐾 Today, March 12, is our chance to come together for the wild animals and people who rely on us. If you are passionate about helping wildlife, today is the day to make a difference!

Gifts of any amount truly have an impact, and go directly towards the compassionate medical care of the thousands of injured/ill wild animals that will arrive at our hospital over this coming year. 🩺

03/10/2026

This adult bald eagle was hit by a car in Waverly, NY in November 2025. In an incredible act of compassion and fortitude, the person who noticed this injured eagle sitting motionless in the median of the busy highway, stayed by its side for several hours until the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation could arrive.

After several weeks of hospitalization to treat injuries to the head, eyes, and right shoulder, the eagle spent another few weeks at Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to exercise and return to peak physical condition (video in the comments).

This past Sunday, almost exactly 4 months after its collision with a vehicle, this eagle returned home - personally delivered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (video in the comments)!

02/02/2026

We are incredibly honored to have been selected as a one of 13 nationwide recipients of funding from the Avangrid Foundation through their Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program. This generous support will strengthen our efforts to advance healthcare, research and conservation for eagles in New York state. Thank you Avangrid! 🦅

02/01/2026

The arrival of winter at the Swanson Wildlife Hospital means an influx of owls that have been hit by a car. Although eye injury is a common problem in these owls, a more rare occurrence is a bright green iris. This occurs when blood, inflammation, and other factors combine to create the right conditions for this to occur. The beautiful green color usually only lasts a day or two, as medications (and the owl's own healing) bring it back to its normal coloration.

This particular screech owl did excellent, and was discharged to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for eventual release back to the wild. 🦉👁️💚

01/19/2026

We're looking forward to this webinar, moderated by Dr. Steve Osofsky. Hope to see you there!

https://events.cornell.edu/event/one-health-around-the-world-cornells-backyard